Insulated container

ABSTRACT

An insulated container including a main compartment having a bottom and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the bottom to define an interior space, at least one storage compartment which is accessible through a side wall when the lid is closed, the at least one storage compartment moveable between an open condition in which the compartment is at least partially outside the main compartment and a closed condition in which the at least one storage compartment is wholly within the main compartment, the at least one storage compartment also accessible through the lid when open, wherein the volume of the at least one storage compartment is approximately the same as the volume of the main compartment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to insulated containers such as Eskys™,portable ice chests, cooler boxes or “chilly bins” and particularly toimprovements thereto adding functionality and ease of use.

BACKGROUND ART

Insulated containers of Eskys are available. The Esky has developed froma cumbersome weighty construct having a steel outside shell with corkinsulation, to a two-layer plastic construction: Polypropylene on theouter shell, with a polyurethane inner layer. This makes it lightweightand portable with great insulation.

Insulated coolers became increasingly useful by the relatively recentadvent of the use of rigid foam plastic for insulation purposes. Thesecoolers typically are of rigid foamed polystyrene, and consist of abody, a lid and carrying handles applied to the body portion. Handles ofthe rigid foam cannot be made because the foam has insufficientstrength. Further, the foam, while rigid, is soft and crumblesrelatively easily in normal use.

More recently, coolers have employed a double-wall construction of ablow-molded plastic in which insulation is placed. The insulation may befoamed in place and typically is of urethane composition. The outerplastic shell may be a polyolefin, such as polystyrene, polyethylene,polypropylene, an ABS resin or any other suitable type. Coolers of thisconstruction are of better quality than the non-sheathed rigid foamtype, but are considerably more expensive and difficult to construct.

Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 3,572,054; U.S. Pat. No.5,524,761; U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,007, U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,547; U.S. Pat.No. 2,663,391; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 309,239.

Insulated coolers of the types described above have been used for otherpurposes in addition to the storage of foods and beverages. The coolersare often used as seats when other, more suitable seating isunavailable. Using a cooler as seating creates a problem in that whensomeone needs to access the cooler, the person sitting on the coolermust stand to allow the lid to be lifted. This creates an issue for theperson sitting on the cooler.

It is also a drawback that the lid of the cooler is not manufactured asa seat. It lacks the proper support as well as being a hard surfacewhich makes sitting in the lid for extended periods uncomfortable.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication isreferred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission thatthe publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art inAustralia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an insulated container, which mayat least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioneddisadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercialchoice.

In one form, the invention resides in an insulated container including

-   -   a) a main compartment having a bottom and a plurality of walls        extending upwardly from the bottom to define an interior space;    -   b) at least one storage compartment which is accessible through        a side wall, the at least one storage compartment moveable        between an open condition in which the compartment is at least        partially outside the main compartment and a closed condition in        which the at least one storage compartment is wholly within the        main compartment, the at least one storage compartment also        accessible through the lid when open, wherein the volume of the        at least one storage compartment is approximately the same as        the volume of the main compartment.

In a second form, the invention resides in an insulated containerincluding

-   -   a) a main compartment having a bottom and a plurality of walls        extending upwardly from the bottom to define an interior space;    -   b) at least one storage compartment which is accessible through        a side wall, the at least one storage compartment pivotally        moveable between an open condition in which the compartment is        at least partially outside the main compartment and a closed        condition in which the at least one storage compartment is        wholly within the main compartment.

In a third form, the invention resides in an insulated containerincluding

-   -   a) a main compartment having a bottom and a plurality of walls        extending upwardly from the bottom to define an interior space;    -   b) at least one storage compartment which is accessible through        a side wall, the at least one storage compartment moveable        between an open condition in which the compartment is at least        partially outside the main compartment and a closed condition in        which the at least one storage compartment is wholly within the        main compartment; and    -   c) at least one seat portion associated with the lid.

The insulated container of the present invention is particularly adaptedto use as a container for storing foodstuffs. The container may beadapted for insulation of heated or cooled items but will mainly be usedfor cooled items, as an Esky®, cooler box or “chilly bin”.

Preferably, the container will have a rigid outer and inner shell toprevent damage with a space between the shells to contain insulation.

There may be one or more wheels or similar mechanisms mounted at such alocation that if the container is angled, the wheels lift the containerabove the surface to allow the container to be easily moved. There willalso typically be handle means provided on the container to allow thecontainer to be pulled or dragged along on the wheels.

The container will also preferably be provided with a fluid drain plugto allow accumulated fluid from inside the container to be drained fromthe container. As well as the fluid drain plug, there may be a drinkdispenser spigot provided to allow drinks to be stored inside thecontainer and dispensed without opening the container lid or opening astorage compartment. The fluid drain plug could be used for this purposebut is preferably not a double use plug. There may be an openingprovided in an exterior wall of a storage compartment through whichdrink dispensing nozzle may be inserted.

It is preferred that the container be substantially rectangular incross-section. In this configuration, the container will preferably havea base wall and two end walls, openings in the (or open) sidewalls, alid to close the opening at the top of the container and the storagecompartments will close the openings in the sidewalls. There willnormally therefore be a top opening and one or more sidewall openings.

The container preferably includes a main compartment having a bottom anda plurality of walls extending upwardly from the bottom to define aninterior space, and a top opening. The main compartment will typicallybe defined by a combination of fixed and movable walls.

The main compartment is preferably defined by the inner surface of thebase wall, end walls and the portions surrounding the openings in thesidewalls. The main compartment will typically be substantiallyrectangular in shape, but may have any shape. As such, the containerwill normally have a longitudinal dimension, typically the dimensionhaving the sidewalls and a transverse direction, typically having theend walls.

Typically, the end walls of the container will be fixed walls which arecontinuous to close the end of the compartment. In contrast, the sidewalls of the compartment will normally include at least one opening forthe storage compartments. There will normally be at least an opening ineach sidewall and the opening will be defined by a surround frameincorporating sill members about the opening. The number of openings ineach sidewall may be the same or different and will be chosen accordingto a preferred configuration for use. Different containers may havedifferent numbers and combinations of storage compartments.

The top opening of the compartment/container is preferably defined by asurround frame formed from the upper edges of the end walls and the sillmembers of the sidewalls.

Typically, the sidewalls will have a centrally located opening definedby a lower sill member extending upwardly from the base wall of thecontainer, a pair of side surround members extending from the respectiveend walls and from the lower sill member and an upper head memberextending between the side surround members.

It is also anticipated that the openings to receive the storagecompartments may be located in the end walls of the container and notthe side walls or in combination with the sidewall compartments. Soeither the ends walls will normally be continuous or the sidewalls willbe continuous but both may have openings. Each of the walls may includean opening defined by a surround frame except the basewall.

In the preferred form, the container will be manufactured without a toplid as conventional containers are, but with a fixed top wall. Incontrast, the present invention container will typically be manufacturedwith a top and a base wall with end walls extending therebetween.Extension portions extending partially into the plane of a sidewall maybe provided to define the openings for the storage compartments. Any oneor more of the walls or extension portions may be reinforced to provideextra strength, particularly when the container is configured for use asa seat.

The present invention may also include a lid for covering said topopening of said main compartment. There may be more than one lid member.Construction of the lid member(s) will normally be similar to that ofthe wall members with a solid inner and outer wall and an insulativematerial juxtaposed between them. The lid member(s) will normally beassociated with one or more hinge members and one or more latches orlatch mechanisms may be provided to secure the lid member(s) in theclosed condition.

The present invention also includes at least one storage compartmentwhich is accessible through a side wall when the lid is closed, the atleast one storage compartment moveable between an open condition iswhich the compartment is at least partially outside the main compartmentand a closed condition is which the at least one storage compartment iswholly within the main compartment, the at least one storage compartmentalso accessible through the lid when open, wherein the volume of the atleast one storage container is approximately the same as the volume ofthe main compartment.

The storage compartment(s) of the present invention will preferably eachhave a drawer or bin-like configuration. Each will typically have astorage volume defined by a base wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls, anexternal wall or face and an opposed internal back wall. The compartmentmay preferably have an open top but a separate lid for the storagecompartment may be provided.

Preferably, the external wall or face of the storage compartment willform a part at least of a wall of the container when closed sealing theinternal compartment when all of the storage compartments are closed.The external wall may therefore be configured similarly to that of thewall members with a solid inner and outer wall and an insulativematerial juxtaposed between them. The other walls of the storagedepartment may be simple planar walls manufactured of plastic forexample as they will not need to be insulated. It is possible that theother walls may be insulated walls but they will preferably will not be.

An outer surface of the external wall of the storage compartment willtypically be provided with a handle for grip when opening and closingthe compartment and the handle may be an integrally molded handle.

The external wall of the storage compartment will also preferably be atleast as big as the opening defined in the wall of the container butwill preferably be larger than the opening. One or more seal memberswill normally be provided to ensure that the container is as efficientas possible.

As stated above, there may be one or more storage compartment(s)provided in each wall.

Each storage compartment is preferably moveable between the open andclosed condition in a pivotal as opposed to a sliding manner. Accordingto a particularly preferred embodiment, each storage compartment will beprovided with a fulcrum at a lower point and towards the outer side ofthe compartment. Preferably the fulcrum may be provided as a pair of lugmembers, one on either side wall at a lower outer corner of the sidewallof the compartment. In this manner, a handle provided towards an upperend of the exterior face of the compartment will allow the handle to bedrawn outwardly and downwardly to open the compartment. This rotationalopening may not result on the large loads that are created with a fullstorage compartment is slid open.

A pair of depressions or openings will typically be provided in thesurround frame adjacent each storage compartment to correspond to thelugs, one on either side of the storage compartment. The openings may beprovided in the fixed portion of the container such as the end walls butare preferably hi the surround frame members.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, there will normally bea pair of storage compartments opening onto opposite sides of thecontainer, each compartment approximately half the width of thecontainer but preferably as high as the container. The sidewalls of thecompartments may decrease in height towards the centre of the containerto allow for the pivoting opening thereof. When closed, the inner wallsof the compartments will preferably abut each other.

There will normally be one or more latches or catches associated witheach storage compartment in order to retain the storage compartmentsecurely in the closed condition, even will filled. At least a portionof the latch or catch will be located on the fixed walls of thecontainer and engage a locking or latch member on the exterior wall ofthe storage compartment.

The container will also preferably be provided with a seat portion. Theseat portion will typically include a shaped or cushioning portionassociated with the lid of the container. A backrest portion may also beprovided. The backrest portion is preferably moveable from a storageposition to a use position in which it is located above and behind (fromat least one side of) the shaped or cushioning portion.

Preferably, the backrest portion may be foldable or pivotable. It mayfold into a storage position overlying the lid of the container fortransport and when not in use. The pivotable backrest is normallyattached to the edge of the lid or to an upper portion of a sidewall ofthe container. In this form, the backrest may be configured as a pair ofspaced apart arm members with a backrest portion therebetween with apivot means located at or towards a lower end of each arm member.Alternative configurations are also possible.

The backrest portion may be slideable. A housing or similar my beprovided adjacent a side or end wall of the container into and out ofwhich the backrest portion may be slid for use and transport. Thebackrest in this form, may be similar to the pivoting configuration butagain alternative configurations are also possible.

The container in general may be provided with one or more liftinghandles, preferably a pair. These lifting handles will normally beprovided on fixed walls.

Any latches provided according to the invention will preferably be atype of overcentre lever latch which are commercially available.Preferably, a latch will be provided on each side of each storagecompartment.

The storage compartments of the present invention will typically beconfigured to maximise the size of the storage compartments andtherefore the useable space within the insulated container and tominimise the losses from the container and unused space within thecontainer. A user may use the container as a seat at a function andstill have access to the interior of the container without the need tostand to allow the top lid to be opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference tothe following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic end view with hidden detail of an insulatedcontainer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the insulated container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the drawers included in the container ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a drawer according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the drawer illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a chair portion included as part of the presentinvention according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a molded handle used according to a preferredembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the handle illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a clip fastener used according to a preferredembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a drain used according to a preferredembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a handle used according to a preferredembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the handle illustrated in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to an aspect of the present invention, an insulated container10 is provided.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, the insulatedcontainer 10 includes a main compartment 11 having a bottom 12 and aplurality of walls extending upwardly from the bottom 12 to define aninterior space and a top opening, a lid 13 for covering said top openingof said main compartment 11 and storage compartments 14 which areaccessible through a side wall when the lid 13 is closed, the storagecompartments 14 moveable between an open condition in which thecompartments 14 are at least partially outside the main compartment 11and a closed condition in which the storage compartments 14 are whollywithin the main compartment 11, the storage compartments 14 alsoaccessible through the lid 13 when open, wherein the volume of thestorage compartments 14 is approximately the same as the volume of themain compartment 11.

The insulated container 10 of the present invention is particularlyadapted to use as a container for storing foodstuffs. The storagecompartments 14 of the embodiment are configured to maximise the size ofthe storage compartments 14 and therefore the useable space within theinsulated container 10 and to minimise the losses from the container 10and unused space within the container. A user may additionally use thecontainer as a seat at a function and still have access to the interiorof the container 10 without the need to stand to allow the top lid 13 tobe opened.

The container has a rigid outer and inner shell to prevent damage with aspace between the shells to contain insulation.

There are wheels 15 mounted adjacent a corner of the container 10 suchthat if the container is angled, the wheels 15 lift the container 15above the surface to allow the container 10 to be easily moved. Thereare handle means provided on the container to allow the container to bepulled or dragged along on the wheels 15.

The container has a fluid drain plug 16 and illustrated in FIG. 11, toallow accumulated fluid from inside the container 10 to be drained fromthe container, normally melted ice or similar.

The illustrated container is substantially rectangular in cross-section.The container 10 includes a main compartment 11 having a bottom 12 and aplurality of walls extending upwardly from the bottom 11 to define aninterior space and a top opening. The main compartment 11 is defined bya combination of fixed and movable walls.

The main compartment is defined by the inner surface of the base wall12, end or side walls and portions surrounding the openings in the endor sidewalls.

There is an opening in each of two opposed sidewalls and the opening isdefined by a surround frame incorporating sill members about theopening. Typically, the sidewalls will have a centrally located openingdefined by a lower sill member 17 extending upwardly from the base wallof the container, a pair of side surround members extending from therespective end wall and from the lower sill member 17 and an upper headmember 18 extending between the side surround members.

The illustrated container 10 also includes a lid 13 for covering the topopening of the main compartment. Construction of the lid member(s) willnormally be similar to that of the wall members with a solid inner andouter wall and an insulative material juxtaposed between them. The lidmember(s) will normally be associated with one or more hinge members(not shown) and one or more latches or latch mechanisms (not shown) tosecure the lid member(s) in the closed condition.

The storage compartment(s) 14 of the present invention, illustratedparticularly in FIGS. 4 to 6 each have a drawer or bin-likeconfiguration. Each has a storage volume defined by a base wall 19, apair of opposed sidewalls 20, an external wall or face 21 and an opposedinternal back wall 22.

The external wall or face 21 of the storage compartment forms a part ofa wall of the container 10 when closed, sealing the internal compartmentwhen all of the storage compartments 14 are closed. The external wall 21of each compartment 14 is configured similarly to that of the wallmembers with a solid inner and outer wall and an insulative materialjuxtaposed between them. The other walls of the storage department ofthe illustrated embodiment are simple planar walls manufactured ofplastic for example as they will not need to be insulated.

An outer surface of the external wall 21 of the storage compartment isprovided with a molded handle 23 for grip when opening and closing thecompartment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The external wall 21 of the storage compartment of the illustratedembodiment is larger than the opening defined in the wall of thecontainer 10.

Each storage compartment 14 is moveable between the open and closedcondition in a pivotal manner. According to the illustrated embodiment,each storage compartment 14 is provided with a pair of lug members 24,one on either side wall 20 at a lower outer corner of the sidewall 20 ofthe compartment. In this manner, the handle 23 provided towards an upperend of the exterior face 21 of the compartment 14 allows the top of thecompartment to be drawn outwardly and downwardly to open the compartment14.

A pair of depressions or openings are typically provided in the surroundframe adjacent each storage compartment 14 to correspond to the lugs,one on either side of the storage compartment. The openings are providedin the surround frame members.

According to the illustrated embodiment, there is a pair of storagecompartments 14 opening onto opposite sides of the container 10, eachcompartment approximately half the width of the container but as high asthe container 10. The sidewalls 20 of the compartments 14 decrease inheight towards the centre of the container to allow for the pivotingopening thereof. When closed, the inner walls of the compartments willabut each other as illustrated in FIG. 1.

There are also latches 25, as illustrated in FIG. 10, associated witheach storage compartment 14 in order to retain the storage compartment14 securely in the closed condition, even when filled. At least aportion of the latch 25 is located on the fixed walls of the containerand engage a locking or latch member on the exterior wall 21 of thestorage compartment.

The container 10 is also provided with a seat portion as illustrated inFIG. 7. The seat portion includes a shaped or cushioning portion 26associated with the lid 13 of the container 10. A backrest portion 27 isalso provided. The backrest portion 27 is moveable from a storageposition to a use position in which it is located above and behind theshaped or cushioning portion 26.

The backrest portion 27 of the illustrated embodiment is foldable orpivotable. It folds into a storage position overlying the lid 13 of thecontainer for transport and when not in use. The pivotable backrest 27is normally attached to the edge of the lid 13 or to an upper portion ofa sidewall of the container. In this form, the backrest is configured asa pair of spaced apart arm members 28 with a backrest portion 29therebetween with a pivot means 30 located at or towards a lower end ofeach arm member.

The container is also provided with lifting handles 31, preferably apair as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. These lifting handles willnormally be provided on fixed walls.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising”and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each ofthe stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or morefurther integers.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific to structural or methodical features. Itis to be understood that the invention is not limited to specificfeatures shown or described since the means herein described comprisespreferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within theproper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpretedby those skilled in the art.

1. An insulated container including: a. a main compartment having abottom and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the bottom todefine an interior space; b. at least one storage compartment which isaccessible through a side wall, the at least one storage compartmentpivotally moveable between an open condition in which the compartment isat least partially outside the main compartment and a closed conditionin which the at least one storage compartment is wholly within the maincompartment.
 2. An insulated container according to claim 1 wherein thecontainer has a rigid outer and inner shell to prevent damage, with aspace between the inner and outer shell to contain insulation.
 3. Aninsulated container according to claim 1 wherein one or more wheels areprovided, mounted at such a location that when the container is angled,the wheels lift the container above the surface to allow the containerto be easily moved.
 4. An insulated container according to claim 1wherein the container is substantially rectangular in cross-section witha base wall and two end walls, a top wall and openings in sidewalls, thestorage compartments adapted to close the openings in the sidewalls. 5.An insulated container according to claim 1 wherein the container has anintegrally formed base wall, two end walls, a top wall and openings insidewalls with the storage compartments provided with external wallsadapted to close the openings in the sidewalls.
 6. An insulatedcontainer according to claim 1 further including at least one internaldividing wall to divide the interior space.
 7. An insulated containeraccording to claim 1 wherein the container has at least an opening ineach sidewall and each opening is defined by a surround frameincorporating sill members about the opening.
 8. An insulated containeraccording to claim 5 wherein the container is manufactured without a toplid.
 9. An insulated container according to claim 1 wherein thecontainer includes an upper opening and a lid for covering the upperopening.
 10. An insulated container according to claim 1 wherein eachstorage compartment has a drawer or bin-like configuration with anexternal wall, a base and a plurality of sidewalls.
 11. An insulatedcontainer according to claim 10 wherein each storage compartment has anopen top.
 12. An insulated container according to claim 5 wherein theexternal wall of each storage compartment forms a part at least of awall of the container when closed sealing the internal compartment whenall of the storage compartments are closed.
 13. An insulated containeraccording to claim 5 wherein the external wall of each storagecompartment is larger than the opening in the wall of the container toseal the internal compartment when closed.
 14. An insulated containeraccording to claim 10 wherein the external wall has a solid inner andouter wall and an insulative material juxtaposed between with thesidewalls and base uninsulated.
 15. An insulated container according toclaim 10 wherein each storage compartment is moveable between the openand closed condition in a pivotal manner.
 16. An insulated containeraccording to claim 15 wherein each storage compartment is provided witha fulcrum at a lower point and towards the outer side of the compartmentabout which the storage compartment can be rotated.
 17. An insulatedcontainer according to claim 15 wherein at least one latch is associatedwith each storage compartment in order to retain the storage compartmentsecurely in the closed condition.
 18. An insulated container accordingto claim 5 further including a backrest portion moveable from a storageposition to a use position in which it is located above the top wall.19. An insulated container according to claim 18 wherein the backrestportion is attached to the top wall and has a pair of spaced apart armmembers with a backrest portion therebetween, with a pivot means locatedat or towards a lower end of each arm member.
 20. An insulated containerincluding a. a main compartment having a bottom and a plurality of wallsextending upwardly from the bottom to define an interior space; b. atleast one storage compartment which is accessible through a side wall,the at least one storage compartment moveable between an open conditionin which the compartment is at least partially outside the maincompartment and a closed condition in which the at least one storagecompartment is wholly within the main compartment; and c. at least oneseat portion associated with the lid.
 21. An insulated containerincluding: a. a main compartment having a bottom and a plurality ofwalls extending upwardly from the bottom to define an interior space; b.at least one storage compartment which is accessible through a sidewall, the at least one storage compartment moveable between an opencondition in which the compartment is at least partially outside themain compartment and a closed condition in which the at least onestorage compartment is wholly within the main compartment, wherein thevolume of the at least one storage compartment is approximately the sameas the volume of the main compartment.